Author: Ormskirk Christadelphians Webmaster

Ormskirk Christadelphian are holding a table top sale at their hall on Moorgate on Saturday 29th July from 10:00-4:00 to help raise funds for various aid projects across the world. The charity they are supporting is the “Christadelphian Meal a Day Fund”.

The charity has been sponsors of Nalondo Special School for Children with Disabilities in Kenya since its foundation nearly 20 years ago. Projects supported include feeding programmes; supply of clean water with a borehole, setting up a Health Care Team and a health service to meet the children’s

complex physical needs. The church (via the fund) sponsors a feeding programme at Luuya Acadmey in Kenya where they have helped provide a daily breakfast for the pupils as well as buying a rain water storage tank.

Items for sale on the 29th include bric-a-brac and greetings cards. There will also be refreshments, including some Kenyan cakes called Maandazis, details on the Meal-a-Day charity and information on the activities and beliefs of the Christadelphians.

The thought of standing in front of Jesus and giving an account for what we have done in our lives can seem like a daunting proposition. The questions begin to run through our minds as we think about what we might say to him. How will we ever justify our actions and our thoughts?

In a thought-provoking poem entitled ‘The Judgement Seat’, the writer is placed in the position of someone who hasn’t been granted a place in God’s kingdom. The reasons why include; neglecting the things of God, saying there is no time to do His will, forgetting to pray and read the Bible or not visiting those in need. Instead the individual finds time to clean and exercise, and to talk about things which do not matter. The poem finishes with the writer waking up and realising it was all a dream, relieved to find there was still unspent time before Christ’s return. The poem ends with an interesting question that we should all ask ourselves, “What shall I say when He shall ask, “how have you spent your time?”.

Our answer to this question will never be satisfactory, for we will always fall short of the standard set by Christ. Thankfully, through the grace of God, we can come to realise the enormity of what Jesus has done for each of us. The poem gets us thinking about how we can do a little more every day to give glory of God, whether that is coming to a knowledge and understanding of God and His plan, or for those who already have faith, to grow closer to Him.

As that day approaches it is comforting to know that because of what Christ has done for us we are not required to give a perfect answer. Matthew 20:28 says ‘Jesus gave his life as a ransom for many’. If we have a true faith in Jesus, we will stand before him in perfection. What amazing grace to motivate us to do all that we can to live our lives in ways which are pleasing and acceptable to Him.

“Seven days ago we wrote that the Jewish people cannot rely on miracles. But that has happened since then cannot be comprehended in any other terms”. This was referring to the now famous six day war in Israel.

Back then in 1967 Jewish people were remembering a different 50th anniversary, that of the Balfour declaration, which paved the way for the establishment of the state of lsrael in May 1948.

Many heroes from the 1948 era were still active in 1967 when against “massive odds” ‘little lsrael’ defeated the combined forces of Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and the P.L.O. taking back control of its ancient capital Jerusalem.

Israeli commanders launched a ‘blitzkrieg’ strategy to bring about an all-embracing victory… and yet the world in general seemed oblivious to the magnitude of what had taken place.

We believe that, although unknown to the Israelis, the angels of Almighty God had guided them to achieve such a victory.

We also believe that an even greater victory will be brought about very soon by the power of the coming king Jesus Christ who will totally eradicate ALL forces of evil while establishing an age of absolute justice, peace and equity here on earth.

Yes — we do believe in miracles. One happened in 1967 and a greater one is yet to come — “Watch out”.

Our Bible contains details of these things.

The Psalms and prophets show how the enemies of Israel are the enemies of God and how He has, does, and will preserve His people. (See in particular Psalm 2).

The ‘final conflict’ is extensively outlined in Zechariah chapters 10 and 12, Ezekiel chapter 38, Joel chapter 3 together with much in the book of Revelation.

The future rule of Jesus Christ is covered extensively in the Old Testament (see Isaiah chapters 2 and 11) and in the New Testament see Luke chapter 1 verses 30 to 33.

Many other passages of scripture could be cited in support of these life—saving issues.